Livestock Production
Agriculture Enhancement and Sustainability
Christin Herbst, Joyce Doyle, Cathy Jansen
Beef
Small Ruminants
Ag Water Quality Program
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Carroll County has 278 farms consisting of 53,562 total acres (61.09% of the total county acreage). The market value of products sold was reported to be $6,441,000 (20% increase from 2007). Livestock sales contributed 30% ($1,938,000) of the total value.
The National Agriculture Statistic Service (NASS) reports the following individual livestock sales:
Cattle: $1,859,000
Swine: $39,000
Sheep and goats: $29,000
Equine: $6,000
Poultry: $5,000
The 2012 Census of Agriculture also estimates the following inventory in Carroll County: 7,905 cattle and calves, 450 goats, 406 horses and ponies, 366 layers, 135 sheep and lambs, and 96 hogs and pigs.
Livestock production is an important element of agriculture production in Carroll County, and managing it correctly is essential to the success of other production systems in the county, as well as environmental protection.
Agriculture representatives of the County Extension Council, County Agricultural Development Council, and County Cattlemen’s Association as well as day-to-day clientele have identified cattle and goat production, water quality, best management practices, and marketing as priorities for Extension programming. In addition, the 4-H Council feels the need exists to educate youth about the impact that agriculture makes on their daily lives.
• Maximize profits for livestock producers.
• Minimize the environmental impact on air, soil, and water.
• Youth will engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.
• Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life skill development through 4-H.
• Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.
• Producers adopt best management practices for proper livestock handling techniques.
• Producers have complete, up-to-date Kentucky Ag Water Quality (KYAWQ) Plans on file at the Conservation District Office.
• Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.
• Youth will adopt and practice skills that contribute to employability.
• Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others.
• Youth will set a goal and accomplish it.
• Youth can influence the purchase of Kentucky Proud products.
• Youth can practice entrepreneurship skills related to agriculture and food systems.
• Producers learn how to handle cattle and other livestock properly.
• Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.
• Youth will gain an understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems.
• Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, communications, record-keeping, leadership and service.
Outcome:
Long term
Indicator:
Increase in livestock cash receipts.
Method:
NASS information from the Kentucky Field Office—County summary given for each year
Timeline:
2 – 4 years
Outcome:
Intermediate
Indicator:
More people involved in BQA and Cattle Handling & Care Certification. More people with complete KYAWQ Plans.
Method:
Registration numbers of BQA increase. Number of KYAWQ Plans completed increase.
Timeline:
1 – 1 ½ years
Outcome:
Initial
Indicator:
Increased participation in learning workshops.
Method:
Attendance Sheets
Timeline:
8 months – 1 year
Audience:
Carroll County Livestock Producers
Project or Activity:
Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certification
Content or Curriculum:
Beef Quality Assurance Program, utilizing both the video and chute-side training modules
Inputs:
Extension Agents, Staff Assistant, Kentucky Beef Council, Extension resources (publications), Time
Date:
January 12, 2017
March 9, 2017
May 11, 2017
January/March/May 2018
January/March/May 2019
January/March/May 2020
Audience:
Carroll County Livestock Producers
Activity:
Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association
Content or Curriculum:
Various types of cattle production topics.
Inputs:
Extension Agents, Staff Assistant, Extension Specialists, Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association Members, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Beef Council, Extension resources (publications), Time, Money
Date:
October 24, 2016 (John Chism, Marketing)
January 23, 2017 (Dr. Matt Parker, Veterinary Feed Directive)
February 27, 2017 (Dr. Darrh Bullock, Bull Selection)
March 27, 2017 (Christin Herbst, Hay Testing and Quality)
January – April, September – December 2018
January – April, September – December 2019
January – April, September – December 2020
Audience:
Carroll County Livestock Producers
Activity:
Goat and Sheep Production Classes
Content or Curriculum:
Focus on topics related to goat, sheep, and other types of livestock production that are seen in the county on a smaller scale.
Inputs:
Extension Agent, Staff Assistant, Extension Specialists, Extension resources (publications), Time, Money
Date:
2018
2019
Audience:
Carroll County Livestock Producers
Project or Activity:
Kentucky Ag Water Quality Plan
Content or Curriculum:
Encourage all producers to have an up-to-date and complete KYAWQ Plan on file with the Carroll County Conservation District.
Inputs:
Extension Agents, Staff Assistant, Carroll County Conservation District, KYAWQ Plan website, Extension resources (publications), Time
Date:
2018
2019
Audience:
Carroll County Livestock Producers
Activity:
Livestock Field Day
Content or Curriculum:
Spotlight model producers around the community
Inputs:
Extension Agents, Staff Assistant, Extension Specialists, Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association Members, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Beef Council, Extension resources (publications), Time, Money
Date:
Summer/Fall 2018
Audience:
Carroll County Youth (5-19)
Activity:
4-H Livestock Clinic
Content or Curriculum:
4-H Livestock Leader Guides and Handbooks (Poultry, Rabbit, Goat, Sheep, Beef, Swine)
Inputs:
Extension Agents, Staff Assistant, Certified and Non-certified Volunteers, Extension Specialists, Extension resources (publications), Time, Money
Date:
May 21, 2017
May 2018
May 2019
May 2020
Audience:
Carroll County Livestock Producers
Activity:
Development of the Livestock Portion of the County Website
Content or Curriculum:
Online information pertaining to livestock production
Inputs:
Extension Agents, Staff Assistant, Extension Specialists, Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association Members, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Beef Council, Extension resources (publications), Time, Money
Date:
All throughout the year
Author: Christin Herbst
Major Program: Farm Management
According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Carroll County has 53,562 acres of land in 278 farms. Livestock production is a popular form of farming in the county. A majority of farms (147) in the county have cow/calf operations but additional animal production systems include meat and milk goats (30), poultry (24), sheep (5), swine (3), and llamas (2). Over the past several years, there has been an increased interest in raising rabbits for meat consumption.Supporting local far